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Local News

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Board revising school policy on distribution of materials
Judson Palmer
By DENISE GRANT

Staff Writer

Information being distributed in Findlay's schools by outside organizations will face more scrutiny under a new school board policy.

Revisions to the board's policy on "public solicitation, advertising, distribution of materials and commercial messages" came before the board Monday.

While members questioned wording and asked for clarification, all seemed to be in agreement that a stricter policy is needed. There was no vote on the policy Monday.

Public Relations Coordinator Barb Shick said the district receives at least three to four requests every day from community organizations, churches and companies wanting to distribute information in the schools. All of the information is now being funneled through Shick's office, and some have already been turned away.

"The schools have become a clearinghouse for all types of people. The problem continues to blossom," Superintendent Dean Wittwer said. "We've had to make some tough decisions, but moms and dads have said to us, 'That's enough.' Staff has said to us, 'That's enough.'"

Current policy already asks that all information be related to a current course of study, a district-sponsored activity, an approved outside organization or be beneficial information to students.

The updated policy would direct all salesmen to the principal's office. Advertisements, which typically aren't allowed on school grounds, would also have to be approved by the principals.

Those applying to distribute materials would be asked to specify where they intend to distribute the information and to include a district disclaimer, stating that while the information is believed to have educational value, it is not being distributed by the school.

A debate over location and sponsorship ensued last school year after Gideons International distributed Bibles to Findlay's fifth graders in March.

The Courier, in an editorial titled "Shaky Ground," questioned the district's practice of allowing fifth grade students to be removed from their classrooms and escorted onto public property where they received the Bibles. The editorial appeared in the March 26 edition of the Courier, and may still be read online.

The editorial went on to state: "The schools were involved to purposely facilitate evangelism. School officials know full well that some children have never had their own Bible. It is not the public school system's place to fill in where the church has failed.

"What is the district's policy for a public property field trip to facilitate distribution of the Quran? We're pretty sure most students have never had their own copy of that either," the editorial said.

By the end of May 2007, the school district was facing another challenge, by the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, threatening legal action.

"Groups such as Gideons International can distribute literature on public sidewalks, but it infringes on the First Amendment rights of every student to receive such information while on school time, regardless of whether it is in or out of the school building," the ACLU letter stated.

"The ACLU of Ohio is strongly committed to the separation of church and state in public schools, and to the right of religious freedom for individuals," the letter said. "The ACLU also supports the right of parents to teach their own religious beliefs to their children in their private life. Our office has successfully litigated a number of cases involving violations of students' First Amendment rights by public school administrators."

On the Net: www.findlaycityschools.org, www.thecourier.com

Grant: 419-427-8412,

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1 Comment

Stan Jones wrote:
Religion
“ I wish everyone could have a sense about them to realize that this world is so so far gone and that the day we took out puddlings at our schools and homes, and took religious education away from schools, the world went wild. We have the freedom of everything but religion it seems Christians wake up our children are getting devoured by this unholy world and we are letting it happen. The church isn't to blame for children not having bibles, its the adults that don't take them to church to begin with. Give us the freedom to let everyone have the honor of knowing Gods word. And you already have the freedom to do with that as you wish. I personally would rather have my son or daughter be approached by someone with Gods word than someone trying to give him Gay rights material. What is happening to our Land of the Free, One Nation UNDER GOD? ”
Tuesday, November 18, 2008 8:46:15 AM
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The Disc Golf Community Association, in cooperation with the Hancock Park District, sponsors the event. Proceeds go to the Family Center of Findlay-Hancock County.

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People with information about this or any other crime that would lead to an arrest or indictment will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Crime Stoppers can be called weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 419-425-TIPS or 419-425-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.

The Web site is www.hancockcrimestoppers.org.